Branched Polymers Made Using Multifunctional Coupling Agents

ABSTRACT

Branched block copolymers, derived from alkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon-1,3-diene monomer system, and branched polyisoprene homopolymers, derived from isoprene, are obtained by polymerization in the presence of an anionic initiator; at a temperature from 0° C. to 100° C.; followed by coupling with a multifunctional coupling agent of formula (R1O)3Si—Y—Si(OR2)3, wherein R1 and R2 are independently C1-C6 alkyl groups; and Y is a C2-C8 alkylene group. The polymers thus obtained can be used in many applications, including rubber cements having high solids content and low zero shear viscosities, and for producing aqueous latices therefrom.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/775,624, filed Dec. 5, 2018 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/889,779, filed Aug. 21, 2019, incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to branched polymers made using polyfunctional coupling agents.

BACKGROUND

Elastomeric block copolymers and homopolymers are synthetic materials that are valuable for a wide array of end-use applications. Homopolymers and block copolymers having one or more blocks of a polymerized conjugated diene block are examples of such materials. Examples include styrenic block copolymers such as a styrene-butadiene block copolymer, and polybutadiene and polyisoprene homopolymers. Styrenic block copolymers and polyisoprenes having relatively narrow molecular weight distributions are generally prepared using anionic polymerization. Synthetic polyisoprenes are also produced by polymerizing isoprene using Ziegler Natta catalysts. Polyisoprene homopolymers are synthetic, predominantly stereoregular polymers that closely resemble natural rubber in molecular structure as well as in properties. The polymers are initially produced in organic solutions, which can subsequently be coagulated and dried into solid rubber, or converted into an aqueous latex form.

There is a continuing need for new block copolymers and homopolymers having enhanced properties, and also to further improve the productivity of the processes for making the polymers and their latices.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure is a branched block copolymer comprising one or more polymer blocks A and one or more polymer blocks B and having a formula (A-B)_(m)(R₁O)_(3-m)Si—Y—Si(R₂O)_(3-n)(B-A)_(n). Each A block independently comprises at least 90 mole percent of an alkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon and has a weight average molecular weight from 9-15 kg/mol; wherein the one or more A blocks form 8-13 weight percent of the total weight of the block copolymer. Each B block is independently a poly(1,3-diene) block comprising at least 90 mole percent of one or more 1,3-dienes and having a weight average molecular weight from 75-150 kg/mol. R₁ and R₂ are independently H, or C₁-C₆ alkyl groups; Y is a C₂-C₈ alkylene group; m and n are integers independently having values from 1-3. The block copolymer has a coupling efficiency (CE) of at least 40%, preferably greater than 80%.

Another aspect of the disclosure is a branched polyisoprene homopolymer having a formula (C)_(m)(R₁O)_(3-m)Si—Y—Si(R₂O)_(3-n)(C)_(n), wherein each C block is a polyisoprene block independently having a weight average molecular weight from 400-1000 kg/mol, preferably 500-700 kg/mol. R₁ and R₂ are independently H, or C₁-C₆ alkyl groups; Y is a C₂-C₈ alkylene group; m and n are integers independently having values from 1-3. The homopolymer has a coupling efficiency (CE) of at least 40%, preferably greater than 80%.

Still another aspect of the disclosure is a process for preparing the above branched block copolymer. The process comprises polymerizing a first monomer comprising at least 90 mole percent of an alkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon, at a temperature from 0° C. to 100° C., to form a polymer block A; adding a second monomer comprising at least 90 mole percent of one or more 1,3-dienes and polymerizing at a temperature from 0° C. to 100° C., to form a polymer block B; adding a multifunctional coupling agent of formula (R₁O)₃Si—Y—Si(OR₂)₃; and forming the branched block copolymer with a coupling efficiency (CE) of at least 40%.

Still yet another aspect of the disclosure is a process for preparing the above branched polyisoprene homopolymer. The process comprises polymerizing isoprene, in the presence of an anionic initiator, at a temperature from 0° C. to 100° C., to form a polymer block C; adding a multifunctional coupling agent of formula (R₁O)₃Si—Y—Si(OR₂)₃; and forming the branched polyisoprene homopolymer with a coupling efficiency (CE) of at least 40%.

Description

The following terms used the specification and will have the following meanings.

The term “active” is used to describe a polymer chain having a reactive carbanionic center at the growing end.

The term “coupling efficiency” (CE) is used to quantify the ratio of uncoupled polymer to coupled polymer as determined by GPC.

The term “degree of branching” refers to the average total number of polymer arms present per molecule of the branched block copolymer.

Multifunctional coupling agent: The branched block copolymers and branched polyisoprene homopolymers are prepared using a multifunctional coupling agent represented by the general formula (I):

(R₁O)₃Si—Y—Si(R₂O)₃  (I);

where R₁ and R₂ are independently H, or C₁-C₆ alkyl groups, and Y is a C₂-C₈ alkylene group. The reactive polymer chain, having a carbanionic chain end, reacts with the 2 silicon centers of the coupling agent (I) to form coupled block copolymers and coupled homopolymers. Since formula (I) has 6 leaving groups (alkoxy groups), the coupling agent is hexafunctional and therefore in theory, anywhere from 1 to 3 polymer chains on each silicon can be present. Any hexafunctional organosilicon compound comprising the formula (I) can be used as the coupling agent. In an embodiment, the preferred multifunctional coupling agent is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane (BTMSE), 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane (BTESE), or mixtures thereof.

Branched block copolymers and branched polyisoprene homopolymers: The branched block copolymers prepared using the multifunctional coupling agent of formula (I) comprises one or more polymer blocks A and one or more polymer blocks B are represented by the general formula (II):

(A-B)_(m)(R₁O)_(3-m)Si—Y—Si(R₂O)_(3-n)(B-A)_(n)  (II);

where R₁, R₂, and Y are as defined above for formula (I), and m and n are integers that give a measure of the branching, as explained further below. In embodiments, the branched block copolymer (II) has R₁, and R₂ independently selected from H, methyl, or ethyl; and Y is a —CH₂—CH₂— group.

The A block is an aromatic block made predominantly of repeat units derived from one or more alkenyl aromatic hydrocarbons. In embodiments, the A block comprises at least 90 mole percent, 90-95 mole percent, or at least 95 mole percent of an alkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon. The weight percentage of the A block(s) in the overall block copolymer is generally less than 15 weight percent. In embodiments, the A block(s) form 8-13 weight percent, alternately 8-10 weight percent, alternately 10-13 weight percent. The A block has a weight average molecular weight from 9-15 kg/mol. In other embodiments, the A block molecular weight is 9-12 kg/mol, alternately 12-15 kg/mol. Any of the alkenyl aromatic hydrocarbons known in the art can be employed, e.g., styrene, alpha-methylstyrene, para-methylstyrene, vinylnaphthalene, and the like. Styrene is a preferred monomer.

The B block is an elastomeric block made predominantly of repeat units derived from one or more conjugated dienes (1,3-dienes). In embodiments, the B block comprises at least 90 mole percent, 90-95 mole percent, or at least 95 mole percent of a 1,3-diene. Each B block has a weight average molecular weight from 75-150 kg/mol. In other embodiments, the B block molecular weight can be 75-100 kg/mol, 100-125 kg/mol, or 125-150 kg/mol. Non-limiting examples of suitable 1,3-dienes to prepare the B block include butadiene, isoprene, piperylene, cyclohexadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, myrcene, farnesene, and the like.

As for the values of m and n in formula (II), they range independently from 1 to 3. As the values of m and n increase from 1 to 3, the amount of more highly branched copolymer in the overall copolymer will correspondingly increase. In embodiments, the values of m and n in formula (II) can be 1,2; 1,3; 2,2; 2,3; 3,2; 3,1; and 3,3; respectively. When the reactive polymer chains couple with the multifunctional coupling agent, depending on the stoichiometry and reaction conditions, a mixture of branched block copolymers having a range of m and n values in the range of 1-3 are possible. Therefore, in theory, the overall product resulting from the coupling reaction can be characterized by average values form and n, as well as an overall degree of branching which gives a measure of the total amount of branched block copolymer in the product. This in turn can influence the physical and/or chemical properties of the copolymer. In an aspect, the branched block copolymer (II) can have values of m and n between 1-3 such that (m+n) is greater than 2 but less than or equal to 6, which can be mathematically represented as: 2<(m+n)≤6.

The branched polyisoprene homopolymers comprise one or more polymer blocks C and are represented by the general formula (III):

(C)_(m)(R₁O)_(3-m)Si—Y—Si(R₂O)_(3-n)(C)_(n)  (III);

where R₁, R₂, and Y are as defined above for formula (I), and m and n are as defined above for formula (II). The C block is made predominantly of repeat units derived from one or more conjugated dienes (1,3-dienes). Non-limiting examples of suitable 1,3-dienes useful to prepare the C block include butadiene, isoprene, piperylene, cyclohexadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, myrcene, farnesene, and the like. The C blocks independently have a weight average molecular weight from 400-1000 kg/mol, preferably from 500-700 kg/mol. The degree of branching in the branched homopolymers (III) depends on the values of m and n and can vary in a similar fashion as explained above for the branched block copolymers (II). In an embodiment, m and n have values of 1 or 1. In another embodiment, m and n have values between 1-3 such that (m+n) is greater than 2 but less than or equal to 6, which can be mathematically represented as: 2<(m+n)≤6. The value of m+n can be from 3-6. In embodiments, the values of m and n in formula (III) can be 1,2; 1,3; 2,2; 2,3; 3,2; 3,1; and 3,3; respectively. In preferred embodiments, R₁, and R₂ are independently selected from H, methyl, or ethyl; and Y is a —CH₂—CH₂— group.

Process for making the branched copolymers: The branched block copolymer of formula (II) is obtained by first building the polymer block A and then block B, followed by coupling the reactive chain end with the multifunctional coupling agent (I). Block A is constructed by polymerizing a first monomer, which can be one or more alkenyl aromatic hydrocarbons comprising at least 90 mole percent of an alkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon, using an anionic initiator. Small amounts (up to 10 mole percent) of other anionically polymerizable monomers, such as for example, 1,3-dienes, can be present in the first monomer. Then a second monomer comprising at least 90 mole percent of one or more 1,3-dienes is added and polymerization provides block B. The second monomer can comprise small amounts (up to 10 mole percent) of another anionically polymerizable monomer, e.g., an alkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon. The reaction is carried out under an inert gas atmosphere (nitrogen or argon). The anionic initiator is generally an alkyllithium, such as n-butyllithium, sec-butyllithium, n-hexyllithium, etc. Suitable solvents are liquid hydrocarbon solvents, such as liquid lower hydrocarbon solvents, ex., n-pentane, cyclopentane, n-hexane, cyclohexane, n-heptane, etc. The reaction can be carried out at a temperature from −50° C. to 150° C., or from 20° C. to 100° C. Isoprene polymerizes in a predominantly linear fashion to form polyisoprene chains having a “living” anionic chain end. After the desired percent conversion of monomer has been reached, polymerization is terminated by adding the multifunctional coupling agent of formula (I). The resulting product (II) comprises the desired branched block copolymer, which if desired can be coagulated into a solid rubber product, or converted into other forms, such as an aqueous latex.

The branched polyisoprene homopolymer (III) is obtained by polymerizing isoprene using an anionic initiator under conditions similar to that explained above, followed by coupling the reactive chain end with the multifunctional coupling agent (I). After the desired percent conversion of monomer has been reached, polymerization is terminated by coupling with the reagent (I). The resulting branched block copolymer can be coagulated into a solid rubber product, or converted into other forms, such as an aqueous latex.

The rubber cement obtained above generally have a solids content from 5 wt. % to 35 wt. % in an embodiment, and from 15 wt. % to 25 wt. % in another embodiment. In embodiments, the cis content in the polyisoprene chain in the polymers (II) and (III) is in a range from 70% to 95%.

Temperature-dependent dynamic viscosity profiles indicate that for a given wt. % concentration, at comparable molecular weights, the viscosity of the copolymer (II) and homopolymer (III) are significantly less than the viscosity of the corresponding linear copolymers and homopolymers made without a coupling agent. In embodiments, the rubber cement having the polymer (II) at a solids content from 15 wt. % to 25 wt. %, has a cis content from 70% to 95%, a zero shear viscosity of less than 25,000 mPas, or less than 20000 mPas, or less than 15,000 mPas; and a weight average molecular weight from 350 kg/mol to 700 kg/mol. In other embodiments, the rubber cement having the polymer (III) at a solids content from 15 wt. % to 25 wt. %, has a cis content from 70% to 95%, a zero shear viscosity of less than 80,000 mPas, or less than 75,000 mPas, or less than 70,000 mPas; and a weight average molecular weight from 1,000 kg/mol to 3,500 kg/mol. The reduced viscosity of the rubber cements provide valuable benefits in a manufacturing setup as it allows for handling up to a 100% or even higher throughput of the rubber cements without having to up-size process equipment.

The rubber solutions of the coupled polymers (II) or (III) in an organic solvent, resulting from the polymerization step, can be converted into water-based latexes by mixing with an aqueous surfactant solution using a high-shear mixer. The solvent is subsequently removed from the resulting emulsion to <0.1% residual solvent. The resulting dilute aqueous latex can be concentrated to 60 wt. % rubber by centrifugation or creaming.

The surfactant used in the emulsification process also stabilizes the latex once formed. The amount of surfactant to be used is generally in the range from 0.5-2.0 wt. % based on the weight of the polyisoprene on a dry basis. Anionic surfactants are preferred. Examples of anionic surfactants include sodium dodecylbenzenesulphonate, other alkyl aryl sulphonates, alkyl sulphonates, olefin sulphonates (e.g., Cl4 olefin sulphonate), alcohol sulphates, such as sodium lauryl sulphate, optionally in combination with one or more other surfactants, such as potassium caprylate, polyoxyethylene cetyl/stearyl ether, and the like. In an embodiment, the surfactant can also be an alkali metal salt of a rosin type material, including rosins, dimerized rosins, disproportionated rosins, and hydrogenated rosins. In another embodiment, the surfactant can also be one or more members selected from the alkali metal salts of tall oil fatty acids, long chain fatty acids, e.g., having 12-20 carbon atoms, etc.

Properties: The latices of branched homopolymers (II) and copolymers (III) form dipped films of very good quality. Cured films formed therefrom have exhibit improved properties. In embodiments, cured films exhibited a tensile strength from 20 MPa to 40 MPa, or at least 25 MPa, or at least 30 MPa. In embodiments, the films also exhibit an elongation from 500% to 1250%, or 750% to 1250%, or at least 750%. In embodiments, the films also exhibit a tear strength from 15 kN/m to 35 kN/m, or at least 20 kN/m. It is also possible to form films having all 3 properties in the above ranges.

Uses of the branched polymers (II) and (III): The latices containing the polymers (II) or (III) are valuable for producing articles. The method comprises dipping a coagulant-free or coagulant coated former in the aqueous latex emulsion at least once to form a thin layer of latex film with individual particles of the coupled polyisoprene on the surface of the former. Any former known in the art can be used. The technique can also be used to layer more than one film of the latex particles on a former to produce articles, e.g., gloves, condoms, etc., then the latex film is stripped from the former.

EXAMPLES

Polymer molecular weights (called “weight average molecular weight” or “GPC molecular weight” herein) were determined by HMW-GPC (gel permeation chromatography) using polystyrene calibration standards. Median particle size of the latices was determined by laser diffraction using a Beckman Coulter LS13320. Solids content was measured with a Sartorius MA35 moisture balance.

Coupling efficiency for the reaction with the multifunctional coupling agent was determined by GPC from the peak integration ratios of the uncoupled polymer relative to the higher molecular weight coupled polymer.

Coagulant solution/dispersion was prepared by dissolving/dispersing Ca(NO₃)₂.4H₂O (˜14%) and CaCO₃ (˜5%) in water at 60° C. while stirring. All the latexes, including the reference sample, were compounded with 5 phr of a commercially available masterbatch composition (containing sulphur, accelerators and anti-oxidant) and stabilized with a commercially available surfactant. The compounds were diluted with demineralized water to obtain the required solid content of 30%. The pH was adjusted to 11-11.5 by addition of a 1M KOH solution and the compounds were stored at ambient temperature while stirring.

For the coagulant dipping exercise, metal plates were used and the standard dipping procedure was applied. Films were dipped after 1, 3 and 6 days of maturation. Mechanical properties of the dipped films were determined according to ASTM D412/ISO37 (Die C) using an Instron 3365 tensile bench equipped with a 500N load cell and a long-range travelling extensometer. The tensile properties are shown in Table 5.

Examples 1-5. Preparation of Branched Polyisoprene Homopolymers

Polymerizations were conducted under a nitrogen atmosphere in a 10 L stainless steel reactor equipped with agitator, cooling, temperature probe, pressure probe and auxiliaries for addition/withdrawal of solvent, monomers and other reagents. Solvents and monomers were purified over alcoa prior to use. As a general procedure, the reactor was charged with 5 L of dry solvent and 450 g of isoprene and heated to 60° C. A dilute s-BuLi solution (0.04 M) was added to the mixture to initiate the polymerization. After conversion of the required amount of monomer to the required molecular weight, the reaction was terminated by addition of the coupling agent (BTMSE or BTESE) in a molar ratio of living chains/coupling agent of 4/1. In some cases, this procedure was repeated once or twice until full conversion of monomer.

BTMSE and BTESE were evaluated in isoprene polymerizations at different living chain concentrations. The results are summarized in Table 1. The data shows that BTMSE and BTSE have comparable coupling performance.

TABLE 1 Coupling reactions of BTMSE and BTESE with different concentrations of living polyisoprene chains. Living chains Uncoupled Uncoupled Example Coupling agent (mmol) after 1 h (%) final (%) 1 BTMSE 0.8 23 22 2 BTMSE 1 20 17 3 BTMSE 2 14 14 4 BTESE 0.55 33 29 5 BTESE 0.8 27 23

Examples 6-8: Preparation of Branched Polyisoprene Homopolymers

These were prepared as rubber cements using the procedure described above. Results are shown in Table 2. The control sample was a linear (unbranched) polyisoprene made without using a coupling agent.

TABLE 2 Branched Polyisoprenes prepared. cis Number Coupling GPC Mw content Example of runs agent (kg/mol) (%) Control-1 1 Not used 3000 88 6 1 BTMSE 1660 78 7 2 BTESE 1083 75 8 2 BTMSE 1260 82

Examples 9-11: Preparation of Branched Polyisoprene Rubber Latex

The rubber cement sample was transferred to a bench scale latex production facility equipped with an in-line high shear mixing device with dosing pumps for polymer and soap solutions Emulsions were produced under standardized emulsification conditions from a fixed ratio of cement and aqueous solution of a potassium salt of disproportionated rosin acid. The emulsion was subsequently solvent stripped to obtain a dilute latex, which was concentrated by creaming after addition of sodium alginate. The results are shown in Table 3. Control-2 is a reference polyisoprene rubber latex prepared from the Control-1 rubber cement described above.

TABLE 3 Branched polyisoprene latices prepared. Cement Dilute latex Concentrated latex solids Soap R/S Solids Solvent PSmed Solids Viscosity PSmed Example (wt %) (wt %) ratio pH (wt %) (ppmr) (μ) pH (wt %) (cPs) (μ) Control-2  9 1 12.3 11.5 12 250 1.1 11.3 64 80 1.3  9 20 1.2 11.5 11.8 15.3 495 1.8 11.4 53 46 2 10 15 0.8 12.1 11.6 8.7 255 1 11.5 61 106 1.2 11 16 0.6 12.8 11.4 8 300 0.7 11.7 71 208 0.9 R/S ratio: Rubber/Soap ratio. PSmed: Median particle size

TABLE 4 Tensile Properties of Cured Films. Tensile Tear Film strength Elonga- Young's strength Example (MPa) tion modulus (MPa) (kN/m) Control-3 28 780 0.13 28 12 (latex ex. 10) 24 663 0.22 27 13 (latex ex. 11) 23 780 0.25 21

Table 4 shows that the tensile properties of the dipped films made from the branched polyisoprenes (Examples 12 and 13) made using the multifunctional coupling agents are very good and comparable to those seen with the control sample film (Control-3).

Example 14. Preparation of Branched Styrene-Isoprene Block Copolymers

The polymerization was conducted under a nitrogen atmosphere in a 10 L stainless steel reactor equipped with agitator, cooling, temperature probe, pressure probe and auxiliaries for addition/withdrawal of solvent, monomers and other reagents. Solvent and monomers were purified over alcoa prior to use. The reactor was charged with 5 L of dry solvent and 400 g of styrene and heated to 60° C. A dilute s-BuLi solution (0.04 M) was added to the mixture to initiate the polymerization. After conversion of the styrene, 3 kg of isoprene monomer was charged. After conversion of the second monomer to the required molecular weight, the reaction was terminated by addition of the BTMSE coupling agent in a molar ratio of living chains/coupling agent of 4/1. The results are shown in Table 5. Control-4 is a commercial lot sample of polyisoprene made using GPTS (glycidylpropyl trimethoxysilane) as the coupling agent.

TABLE 5 CE means coupling efficiency. DoB means degree of branching. PS block SI diblock Coupling CE DoB Example GPC MW (kg/mol) GPC MW (kg/mol) agent Control-4 10.8 159 GPTS 95 2.8 14 10.9 157 BTMSE 89 4.1

Example 15. Preparation of Branched Styrene-Isoprene Block Copolymer Latex

The rubber cement sample from Example 14 was transferred to a bench scale latex production facility equipped with an in-line high-shear mixing device with dosing pumps for polymer and soap solutions. The emulsion was produced under standardized emulsification conditions from a fixed ratio of cement and aqueous solution of a potassium salt of disproportionated rosin acid. The emulsion was subsequently solvent-stripped to obtain a dilute latex, which after addition of sodium alginate was concentrated by creaming. The results are shown in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Cement Dilute latex Concentrated latex solids Soap Solids Solids Viscosity Example (wt %) (wt %) R/S ratio (wt %) Psmed (μ) pH (wt %) (cPs) Psmed (μ) 15 15.3 0.9 17.0 14.4 1.22 11.2 60.6 62 1.20 R/S ratio: Rubber/Soap ratio. PSmed: Median particle size.

Example 16 represents a dipped film made from the branched styrene-isoprene block copolymer latex of Example 15. Control 5 represents a dipped film made from the branched styrene-isoprene block copolymer latex derived from the block copolymer of Control 4. Table 7 shows that the tensile properties of the dipped films made from the branched styrene-isoprene block copolymer made using the multifunctional coupling agent (Example 16) are very good and comparable to those seen with the control sample film (Control-5).

TABLE 7 Tensile Modulus Tear Example strength 500% Elongation strength Control 5 21.4 1.62 1089 24.7 16 20.4 1.43 1113 27.3

For the purposes of this specification and appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, percentages or proportions, and other numerical values used in the specification and claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained. It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” include plural references unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. As used herein, the term “include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

As used herein, the term “comprising” means including elements or steps that are identified following that term, but any such elements or steps are not exhaustive, and an embodiment can include other elements or steps. Although the terms “comprising” and “including” have been used herein to describe various aspects, the terms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” can be used in place of “comprising” and “including” to provide for more specific aspects of the disclosure and are also disclosed.

Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which the disclosed disclosure belongs. the recitation of a genus of elements, materials or other components, from which an individual component or mixture of components can be selected, is intended to include all possible sub-generic combinations of the listed components and mixtures thereof.

The patentable scope is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. To an extent not inconsistent herewith, all citations referred to herein are hereby incorporated by reference. 

1. A branched polymer having a formula of (A-B)_(m)(R₁O)_(3-m)Si—Y—Si(R₂O)_(3-n)(B-A)_(n), or (C)_(m)(R₁O)_(3-m)Si—Y—Si(R₂O)_(3-n)(C)_(n), wherein each A block independently comprises at least 90 mole percent of an alkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon; wherein the one or more A blocks form 8-13 weight percent of the total weight of the branched block copolymer; each B block is independently a poly(1,3-diene) block comprising at least 90 mole percent of one or more 1,3-dienes; each C block is independently a polyisoprene; each A block independently has a weight average molecular weight from 9-15 kg/mol, each B block independently has a weight average molecular weight from 75-150 kg/mol; and each C block has a weight average molecular weight from 400-1000 kg/mol; R₁ and R₂ are independently H, or C₁-C₆ alkyl groups; Y is a C₂-C₈ alkylene group; m and n are integers independently having values from 1-3; and wherein the branched polymer has a coupling efficiency (CE) of at least 40%.
 2. The branched polymer of claim 1, wherein (m+n) has a value from 3-6.
 3. The branched polymer of claim 1, wherein Y is —CH₂CH₂—, and R₁ and R₂ are hydrogen, methyl groups or ethyl groups.
 4. The branched polymer of claim 1, wherein the 1,3-diene is isoprene, and the alkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon is styrene.
 5. The branched polymer of claim 1, wherein the branched polymer is a branched polyisoprene homopolymer having the formula (C)_(m)(R₁O)_(3-m)Si—Y—Si(R₂O)_(3-n)(C)_(n).
 6. The branched polymer of claim 1, wherein the branched polymer is a branched block copolymer having the formula of (A-B)_(m)(R₁O)_(3-m)Si—Y—Si(R₂O)_(3-n)(B-A)_(n).
 7. The branched polymer of claim 1, prepared using a multifunctional coupling agent is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane (BTMSE), 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane (BTESE), and mixtures thereof.
 8. The branched polymer of claim 1, wherein the C block has a weight average molecular weight from 500-700 kg/mol.
 9. A process for preparing a branched polymer, the process comprising: (i) polymerizing a first monomer comprising at least 90 mole percent of an alkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon, at a temperature from 0° C. to 100° C., to form a polymer block A; and adding a second monomer comprising at least 90 mole percent of one or more 1,3-dienes and polymerizing at a temperature from 0° C. to 100° C., to form a polymer block B; or (ii) polymerizing isoprene at a temperature from 0° C. to 100° C., to form a polymer block C; (iii) adding a multifunctional coupling agent of formula (R₁O)₃Si—Y—Si(OR₂)₃; and forming a branched block copolymer having a formula (A-B)_(m)(R₁O)_(3-m)Si—Y—Si(R₂O)_(3-n)(B-A)_(n) from steps (i) and (iii), or a branched polyisoprene homopolymer having a formula (C)_(m)(R₁O)_(3-m)Si—Y—Si(R₂O)_(3-n)(C)_(n) from steps (ii) and (iii); wherein each A block independently comprises at least 90 mole percent of the alkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon, and the one or more A blocks form 8-13 weight percent of the total weight of the branched polymer; each B block is independently a poly(1,3-diene) block comprising at least 90 mole percent of one or more 1,3-dienes; each C block is a polyisoprene block; each A block independently has a weight average molecular weight from 9-15 kg/mol, each B block independently has a weight average molecular weight from 75-150 kg/mol, and each C block independently has a weight average molecular weight from 400-1000 kg/mol; R₁ and R₂ are independently H, or C₁-C₆ alkyl groups; Y is a C₂-C₈ alkylene group; m and n are integers independently having values from 1-3; and the branched polymer has a coupling efficiency (CE) of at least 40%.
 10. The process of claim 9, wherein the branched polymer is formed as a rubber cement having a solids content from 5 wt. % to 35 wt. %.
 11. The process of claim 10, wherein the branched block copolymer has a formula (A-B)_(m)(R₁O)_(3-m)Si—Y—Si(R₂O)_(3-n)(B-A)_(n), and wherein the rubber cement has a zero shear viscosity of less than 25,000 mPas in a solids content range from 15 wt. % to 25 wt. %; a cis content from 70% to 95%; and a weight average molecular weight from 350 to 700 kg/mol.
 12. (canceled)
 13. (canceled)
 14. The process of claim 10, wherein the branched polyisoprene homopolymer has a formula of (C)_(m)(R₁O)_(3-m)Si—Y—Si(R₂O)_(3-n)(C)_(n), and wherein the rubber cement has a zero shear viscosity of less than 80,000 mPas in a solids content range from 15 wt. % to 25 wt. %; a cis content from 70% to 95%; and a weight average molecular weight from 1,000 to 3500 kg/mol.
 15. The process of claim 10, wherein the process further comprises an anionic initiator.
 16. (canceled)
 17. An article formed from the branched polymer of claim
 1. 18. A film formed from the branched polymer of claim
 1. 19. The film of claim 18, wherein the film has a tensile strength of from 20 MPa to 40 MPa.
 20. The film of claim 18, wherein the film has an elongation of from 500% to 1250% and a tear strength of from 15 kN/m to 35 kN/m. 